Product Reviews: Oxo Knife Set, Presto Pressure Cooker, Pyrex Storage, Baby Food Processor, Proform Elliptical Trainer, Gazelle Edge

Oxo Knife Sets: 14 Knives

This 14-piece oxo knife block set outfits the kitchen with a wide array of popular, often used cutlery. It comes with 6 prep knives, including an 8-inch chef’s, 8-inch slicer, 3-1/2-inch parer, 5-inch utility, 4-inch Santoku, and 8-inch bread. It also includes a set of 6 steak knives, a sharpening tool to keep blades in prime working order, and an angled wood storage block for easy accessibility. Sharp, stainless-steel Oxo blades are stain-proof and hardened for strength. They also feature a full-tang for durability and proper balance. Black, ergonomically correct, nonslip rubber handles cushion hands and provide a safe secure grip. While the Oxo Knife Sets are safe to clean in the dishwasher, it is recommended to wash it by hand for best care.

Presto Pressure Cooker Canner: Kitchen Time

The Presto Pressure Cooker sturdy lid locks down during canning or cooking; an inner sealing ring keeps the steam in. In addition to a pop-up pressure indicator and a simple steam release mechanism, there is an overpressure plug that will let off steam if it builds up excessively. The pressure dial gauge gives an accurate reading so that pressure can be kept constant during canning. This Presto Pressure Cooker Canner is also a cooker that’s useful for weeknight dinners or for any meal that needs to come together quickly. An accompanying booklet contains more than 50 recipes, ranging from basic soup stocks to stews and pot roasts–even sweets like English Plum Pudding or Brown Bread! Tenderize lean cuts of beef or pork, or cook chicken, fish, or vegetables faster than you can in a microwave, and without losing moisture. A great Presto Pressure Cooker Canner indeed.

Pyrex Storage: All Glass

Transporting foods for lunches and picnics and storing leftovers for reheating is a cinch with the Pyrex Storage Plus set. Included in this set are two 2-cup rounds, one 3 1/2-cup rectangular, one 4-cup round, and one 6-cup rectangular storage piece, all glass, with plastic covers. Pyrex glass doesn’t warp, stain, or absorb odors, and can be used in the oven, microwave, oven, refrigerator, or freezer for storing, reheating and serving. The Pyrex Storage set is easy to stack, so it takes up less cabinet space when not in use. The set includes a pamphlet with safety and use instructions, and each glass piece is covered by a Pyrex two-year warranty.

Baby Food Processor: Baby Time

DEX Products Electric Baby Food Processor makes homemade baby food in seconds. It’s healthy, pure, fresh and tasty. Saves time & money and it’s easy to clean. It has a heavy duty stainless steel blade and sturdy no-tip base. Designed specifically for quick and easy preparation of healthy meals for baby. Make healthy food for a healthy baby! I saw in some reviews that people did not like this baby food processor because it would only chop foods like carrots, apples and pears. I would like to make a comment to that. Check any cook book and in order to puree any of those foods you need to boil them first. So please don’t use that review for your opinion. Would you eat veggies with out cooking them first! Take what you make for your table and then put it in the Baby Food Processor for the baby, and add a small amount of milk to make it softer!

Proform Elliptical Trainer: Burn Time

Turn exercise time into play time! Play Fat Blocker or Calorie Destroyer on a large, brightly lit display as you exercise — the harder you work, the easier the game becomes. The Proform Elliptical Trainer 850 also features the Interplay Music port that lets you plug in your iPod so you can play your own music through the built-in sound system. With 12 Proform Elliptical Trainer Personal Trainer Workouts, ergonomic upper-body arms and the other great features, you can expect great results and have a lot of fun getting them. Vary your routine for great results with 12 different workouts that will help you burn calories, lose weight and improve your health. Get an accurate pulse reading with the convenient sensors built into the handlebars-simply grip them for a quick reading of your heart rate.

Gazelle Edge: Tony Time

Burn calories, tone your muscles, and improve your cardiovascular endurance with the Gazelle Edge, which simultaneously works out both your upper and lower body. Ideal for all fitness levels, the Gazelle Edge unsurpassed range of motion lets you go from a slow walk to a full run with no sudden stops, so you won’t put undue pressure on your joints. The resulting aerobic workout will challenge you without sacrificing your knees. Details include an easy-to-use, five-function workout computer that delivers immediate feedback on speed, distance, time, and calories burned; a foldable footprint for easy storage; extra-wide, non-skid foot platforms.

Product Reviews: Baking Dish, Hand Held Blender, Panini Pan. Indoor Grills, Waring Juicer, Cuisinart Griddler

Pyrex Baking Dish: Glass Bakeware

Pyrex Bakeware 3-piece set includes 1-each 9-1/2-inch flavor saver pie plate, 1-each 8 by 8 by 2-inch dish, and 1-each 9 by 13 by 2-inch rectangular baking dish . Pyrex Baking Dishes are durable, transparent for easy monitoring of baking progress and provides good heat conduction for even, consistent baking. There’s no substitute for Pyrex, the original glass bakeware. Introduced 90 years ago and made of a durable, high temperature material, Pyrex Baking Dish remains the ideal medium for safe, dependable food preparation. You can also use it to serve food since it is a lot nicer looking than the plain metal kinds. Cleaning is also simple, you don’t have to worry about scrubbing any anti-stick chemicals off since it is just glass. Also, I like the sizes too, a good set that has about everything you need for basic baking: brownies, cake, a few small cookies, pie, casseroles and etc.

Hand Held Blender: Kitchenaid Made

Ideal for quickly blending soups, mixing beverages, and more, this immersion hand held blender features a quiet, powerful motor and a sharp stainless-steel blade with a protective stainless-steel splashguard. For mixing all the way to the bottom of deep pots or pitchers, its durable snap-in attachment can be immersed as far down as 8 inches. The Hand Held Blender speed-control dial offers variable speeds ranging from nine (high) to one (low), while its power button allows for one-touch starting and stopping. Two ejector buttons, one on either side of the blender body, ensure simple attachment removal. Other convenient hand held blender features include quick and easy assembly and storage, a 5-foot extra-long power cord, and a comfortable, ergonomic, non-slip grip.

Panini Pan: Panini Press

Featuring a hard-anodized exterior and nonstick interior, Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick panini pan combines durability and performance with fast clean-up and easy low-fat cooking. Designed to fit your style of cooking, living and entertaining, each versatile vessel accommodates several different cooking techniques. Many feature two loop handles, for convenient cooking both on the stovetop and in the oven, as well as beautiful presentation at the table. Contemporary Nonstick Panini Pan long handles stay cool on the stovetop for hours of comfortable cooking. Sparkling glass-and-stainless covers give you a clear view of simmering soups and sauces, too.

Indoor Grills: No More Cold Nights

When the weather is too cold to stand outside over the gas grill, fire up the Perfecto indoor grill instead. These electric indoor grills has an embedded heating element and a special M-shaped grill design so the entire surface area heats up and indoor grilling results are more consistent. Its adjustable, detachable thermostat has five temperature levels and can be adjusted low for grilling corn or other vegetables and higher for steaks or shrimp. The indoor grill surface itself is nonstick, so less oil is required for cooking and swordfish steaks flip nicely without sticking. A nonstick splatter shield surrounds the edge of the indoor grill to prevent walls and countertops from getting greasy and a drip tray below the grill’s surface catches any juices.

Waring Pro Juicer: Healthy Lifestyle

Juicing is a healthful way to eat fruits and veggies, and the Waring Juice Extractor takes juicing to the next level. A high-speed 400-watt motor makes the extraction process efficient, and makers of carrot juice will especially appreciate the brushed stainless-steel housing–the extractor won’t turn orange with age. Everyone who’s ever owned a juicer knows that cleanup is the biggest downfall of home juicing. With the Waring Pro Juicer, that won’t be an issue–the compact strainer, pulp collector, lid, and juice collector are all dishwasher-safe, and the stainless-steel body wipes clean with a sponge. The Waring Pro Juicer extractor’s die-cast base stays steady on the countertop, and its cushioned feet will minimize vibration, protecting the countertop from scratches.

Cuisinart Griddler: Panini Press It

Creating restaurant-quality paninis–as well as grilled sandwiches, veggies, pork chops, and more–is simple with this convenient panini press and sandwich maker. The Cuisinart Griddler upper and lower 11-by-7-inch nonstick, non-removable grill plates provide even grilling and toasting, plus offer a drip spout that makes it easy to drain grease away from food for healthier cooking. Designed like professional units, the Cuisinart Griddler’s floating hinge adjusts to accommodate any thickness for perfectly grilled thin or thick panini and sandwiches. In addition, the panini press griddler and sandwich maker features "power-on" and "ready-to-cook" indicator lights and a preset temperature to ensure crisp, golden-brown results.

Product Reviews: Cuisinart Pressure Cooker, Can Opener, Bike Horn, Big Flyer, Cycles For Kids, Kids Mountain Bikes

Cuisinart Pressure Cooker: Quick And Easy

Reduce time spent in the kitchen preparing meals with the help of this 6-quart electric pressure cooker–it cuts cooking times up to 70-percent when compared to traditional stovetop cooking methods. The Cuisinart Pressure Cooker traps steam inside, which builds up pressure to create hotter temperatures, and its tight seal locks in heat, moisture, and flavor, as well as vitamins and minerals for exceptionally healthy, great-tasting meals like soup, chili, and other one-dish entrees. It also works well for cheesecake and custard, because dessert should never be left off the menu. The Cuisinart Pressure Cooker push-button controls and easy-to-read digital display eliminate guesswork, while its precision digital thermostat regulates temperatures. Choose from preprogrammed settings for high- or low-pressure cooking, browning, simmering, sauteing, and warming.

Pampered Chef Can Opener: Smooth Edged

If you have a can opener toss it, this Pampered Chef Can Opener one is the best-leaves a resealable-loose lid that saves the product and no sharp edge, hard to figure out how to use at first but so smooth to use you think it’s not doing anything.There is a small prying clamp on side of opener pulls the top off and you can re-seat the top on to save the unused portion. I love this can opener it for the big cans of spagetti sauce, cooking for two I pop the lid on and it saves in the fridge for another meal. Give this Pampered Chef Can Opener a try today.

Delta Airzound Bike Horn: Very Loud

Let cars know you’re coming with the Delta Airzound bike horn, which clamps easily to any handlebar. It’s super loud, blasting out a warning at 115 dB, and it features a volume control. It requires no batteries or cartridges–simply fill the ultra-light air reservoir with any bike pump. For more than 20 years, Delta Cycle has created useful cycling products with a mission to make an innovative difference. The company works hard to make their products better and deliver superior value. Delta Cycle offers only a small, concentrated product line that represents the best there is in each category. This Delta Airzound Bike Horn lives up the that rep.

Cycles For Kids: BMX Time

Give your kid the gift of BMX cycling racing performance without breaking the bank with the Diamondback Mini Viper 16-inch BMX bike. The Mini Viper is built using the same basic geometry as the full-size Diamondback Viper, but in a compact frame meant for kids just learning to ride. The Mini Viper cycles for kids is equipped with such high-quality features as a heavy-duty steel frame and fork, 28-spoke aluminum wheels, a padded seat, and Jr. "mushroom"-type grips. In addition, the bike includes a set of training wheels to help your son or daughter get up to speed.

Radio Flyer Big Flyer: Red Fun

The Big Flyer is an exciting chopper style tricycle, that children love. It has Performance grip front tread for added traction and mega-wide rear slicks for extra stability around turns. It also features real chrome handlebars, comfortable molded hand grips, and realistic gauges on the dash. The seat has three different adjustments, so this trike can grow with your child. Also, the Radio Flyer Big Flyer comes with a racing pennant for added child safety. Fly by your friends on this super-slick flyer. Performance grip treads get little riders quickly up to speed, and extra-wide rear tires give them tip-free stability. The Radio Flyer Big Flyer also features a three-position adjustable seat and a racing pennant for child safety. Chrome handlebars with molded grips add extra flair as you race around.

Kids Mountain Bikes: Rockin Time

It’s your choice: you can get your kids off to a healthy start by buying them a trouble-free quality bike that gives them their first taste of freedom, or you can buy one with a price closer to free and make riding a source of frustration. Enter the Diamondback Octane Jr., a high-quality kids mountain bike that’s a TV’s worst nightmare. The Octane Jr. is equipped with a number of quality replaceable parts, such as a heat-treated aluminum frame with a replaceable derailleur hanger; a 30mm suspension fork; a six-speed Shimano shifter, derailleur, and freewheel; aluminum rims; and alloy linear pull brakes. The Kids Mountain Bikes features combine to make riding bicycles the liberating and healthy activity it should be.

Product Reviews: Oster Wine Opener, Coffee Percolator, French Press, Bicycle Air Horn, Kids Bike, Rowenta Ironing Board

Oster 4207 Electric Wine Opener: Portable

When gathering with friends, it’s nice to be able to keep the wine flowing without having to retreat to the kitchen to open more bottles. This convenient, portable electric bottle opener can be kept close at hand, wherever the party ends up–in the living room, out on the back deck, or by the pool. The Oster 4207 Electric Wine Opener offers a cordless design and enough power to effortlessly remove the cork from any bottle of wine in seconds. Even more, it can open up to 30 bottles on a single charge–simply attach it to any traditional wine bottle, push the button, and it takes care of the rest. A recharging base comes included. Other highlights include a foil cutter for easily removing seals, a comfortable soft-grip handle, and a sleek modern design that will add a touch of sophistication to any party.

Electric Coffee Percolator: Old Skoolz Style

One of the most comforting sounds in the world is the bubbling of a electric coffee percolator at work. And then comes the toasty aroma–it makes for a perfect morning. Percolators have come back to home kitchens, and the Presto 12-cup stainless steel coffee maker is a prime example. Its elegant, hotel-style design brings a touch of luxury to what is for many a daily pleasure. This Electric Coffee Percolator coffee maker brews up to twelve cups of coffee at a cup-a-minute rate, which it then keeps at a constant, piping-hot serving temperature. An indicator light in the base announces when the coffee is ready. The inner fixtures–the filter basket and perk tube–are also made of stainless steel, rather than the more common (and less durable) aluminum. The power cord is removable to make storage simple.

Bodum French Press: Tasty Indeed

Bodum’s French press makes it easy: coffee, water, wait, enjoy. Simply measure out one rounded tablespoon of coarsely ground coffee per 4-ounce cup, pour in the hot water, wait a few minutes for it to brew, and slowly press down the plunger. Next comes the best part, as you get to enjoy a cup of rich and aromatic coffee. Because of its 8-cup capacity and elegant design, this Bodum French Press is great for dinner parties, where you can now brew your guests’ coffee right at the table. Bodum has been in the coffee business for decades, and the company continues to produce stylish, affordable, and reliable products.

Kids Trike: Fun Times Ahead

Offering a smooth transition from stroller to trike, the brightly colored Kettler Kettrike Air-Navigator kid Tricycle includes a parental control steering system that locks handlebars into place for parental guidance when using the optional pushbar. The Auto-Freewheel allows your child to rest his or her feet on the pedals while you guide them with the pushbar. When your child is ready for a kids trike, a simple on/off switch (located under the Kettler logo on the handlebar stem) unlocks the front steering stem and the Air-Navigator operates as a standard freewheel kids trike. The durable metal frame has an easy step-through design, and it can quickly be adjusted to accommodate your growing child or fit another rider.

Bicycle Air Horn: Blast It

I commute by bicycle daily and got sick and tired of idiots in cars and trucks pulling wild maneuvers in front of me. I’ve only had this bike air horn for 2 days and already avoided a couple of near misses (turned them into wide misses) with it. When cranked to full volume it *really* gets drivers’ attention – even with their windows wound up and Eminem rattling their mirrors! What a fantastic product! Its small, lightweight, and loud. When it runs out of air, a few pumps with my bicycle air horn and its ready to go. It was easy to install and took no more room than a standard water bottle. The bicycle air horn is inconspicuous on my handlebars but is exactly what I need to get the attention of the driver pulling into my lane with their windows closed and radio blaring.

Rowenta Ironing Board: No Wrinkles

An ironing board for the 21st century, Rowenta’s Precision ironing board (model IB6100) is sleekly designed and built to last. Comfortable for right or left handed users, the symmetrical, ergonomically shaped board features a treated metal mesh table surface that resists rust and provides sturdy surface. The sturdy tubular steel legs have non-slip grips, and adjust to 39 inches for ironing while standing or seated. An integrated Rowenta Ironing Board rest on the back end of the board provides a place to rest iron, adding convenience and safety. It comes with a thick, integrated cover made of 100 percent cotton with a thick felt pad for a smooth ironing board surface.

Product Reviews: Oster Opener, Egg Poacher, Floor Steamer, Camelbak Bottle, Lodge Skillet, Compact Microwave

Oster Wine Opener: Let The Good Times Roll

When gathering with friends, it’s nice to be able to keep the wine flowing without having to retreat to the kitchen to open more bottles. This convenient, portable electric bottle opener can be kept close at hand, wherever the party ends up–in the living room, out on the back deck, or by the pool. The electric bottle opener offers a cordless design and enough power to effortlessly remove the cork from any bottle of wine in seconds. Even more, it can open up to 30 bottles on a single charge–simply attach it to any traditional wine bottle, push the button, and it takes care of the rest. A recharging base comes included in this Oster Wine Opener. Other highlights include a foil cutter for easily removing seals, a comfortable soft-grip handle, and a sleek modern design that will add a touch of sophistication to any party.

Toaster Egg Poacher: Yummy Breakfasts

Make delicious egg-and-muffin sandwiches at home in about four minutes with this multi-function toaster. The appliance can toast up to four slices of bread, English muffins, bagels, or croissants, while it simultaneously steam-poaches eggs and warms pre-cooked meat. It can also hard- or soft-boil up to eight eggs at a time thanks to the included egg basket. In addition to heating up pre-cooked meat, the two included meat trays can be used to heat slices of tomato or pineapple to accompany toast or a breakfast sandwich–the options are endless. The Toaster Egg Poacher dual control panel allows for selecting from egg/toast, toast, and egg functions; bagel and defrost settings; and light to dark shade control.

Eureka Floor Steamer: Clean Those Floors Till They Shine!

Designed for use on wood, granite, laminate, marble, and other hard, sealed surfaces, this sleek steamer quickly and effectively sanitizes floors to gleaming perfection. The compact unit’s ingenious steaming technology requires no harsh chemicals, instead harnessing the power of pure steam to loosen and remove even the toughest dirt and grime. Furthermore, its generous 12-1/2-inch cleaning head maneuvers easily into corners and reduces the time it takes to cover even large floor surfaces, while its 25-foot cord allows for hassle-free access all over a home, condo, or apartment. Best of all, the Eureka Floor Steamer weighs only 5-1/2 pounds empty–no more lugging cumbersome wet/dry vacs or mops and buckets around to get the job done.

Camelbak Better Bottle: Free Of Cancer Causing Toxins

The CamelBak Better Bottle represents a new standard of performance and convenience in re-usable water bottles. Available in multiple colors and in three sizes–1 liter, 0.75 liter, and 0.5 liter–this innovative bottle is also BPA- and Phthalate-free. The bottle’s integrated handle makes it easy to carry with the crook of a finger or clip to a backpack with a carabiner. Camelbak Better Bottle Big Bite Valve offers a proven design that contains no moving parts–just bite and sip for easy hydration. The cap fits most other bottles and the Better Bottle attaches to most water filters and fits in most cup holders. It’s dishwasher safe.

Lodge Logic Skillet: Breakfasts That Are Homemade

Pancakes, eggs, and bacon somehow taste extra hearty when cooked in a heavy cast-iron skillet. Cast iron creates superior heat retention, heats evenly, and loves a campfire, unlike flimsier pans. Fry up a mess of catfish, roast a chicken, or bake an apple crisp in this generous 12-inch pan that features two handles for heavy lifting, and two subtle side lips for pouring. While the Lodge Logic Skillet comes preseasoned to prevent food from sticking, it works best when sprayed or lightly coated with vegetable oil before use. Whether used in a kitchen or camp, this virtually indestructible pan should last for generations.

Compact Microwave Oven: Small But Powerful

I purchased this microwave as an addition to my dorm room. I would have liked a high-powered microwave, but restraints on space and money stopped me. For the price and for the size, this microwave works rather well. There are some extra functions, but I just use the regular microwaving. The only thing that I do not like about the microwave is that its internal rotating dish is not very stable, and is prone to shifting off its base with even a slightly unbalanced load. Even so, it was a Compact Microwave Oven worthwhile purchase.

Product Reviews: Lodge Camp Dutch Oven

Lodge Camp Dutch Oven: Camping Cooking Experience Done Right

When it comes to kitchen product reviews, this Dutch oven measures 12 inches in diameter and 5 inches deep–an ideal size for making a large batch of stew or outdoor casserole. The vessel is also suited for boiling water, making rice, or heating up soup, as its cast-iron material delivers a smooth, consistent temperature without wasting heat. The pan’s esteemed heat retention particularly enhances slow-cooking recipes that call for tender meats and rich, seasoned flavors. As with all of Lodge’s camping cookware, the bottom of the pan includes integral legs for campfire and fireplace cooking. In addition, the flanged lid can hold hot coals or be inverted for use as a griddle, letting campers enjoy their morning flapjacks and sausages. With proper care, Lodge Camp Dutch Oven will last a lifetime. Lodge recommends hand washing the oven, which carries a lifetime warranty, with a stiff brush and hot water.

Consumer Reports: Microwave Oven Ratings, Black Microwave Oven And Flexible Cutting Board

Microwave Oven Ratings: The Top Nuker

Because I have an existing trim kit, getting a particular microwave oven size is extremely important to me. Unfortunately, Sharp microwave keeps changing its models. Fortunately, this one not only fits perfectly, but it has more features than the last one. And, it is less expensive. And, it works faster. The good: fast, attractive, lots of features, big. The bad: nothing really, except my wife wishes the buttons were slightly larger. I think microwave oven ratings are needed to know what of the few products that get better and cost less with time. Highly recommended ratings.

The thermostat on my stove died with a lukewarm casserole in the oven and dinner guests arriving. I had to transfer the potatoes, chicken and cheese into two round baking dishes and then I cooked each for 8 minutes in my new Sharp microwave. My Chicken & Potato Mexican Casserole was perfect, my dinner party was saved and I love my Sharp Carousel Microwave! Also, this is my third microwave and the first one that makes a perfect bag of popcorn – no scorch and all the kernels popped. Everything about this purchase was exceptional rating- it even arrived a day early.

Black Microwave Oven: Full Sized East Meal Preparation

With a 1-3/5-cubic-foot capacity and 1250 watts of power, this full-sized black microwave oven provides quick and easy meal preparation. The black microwave automatic 15-inch turntable ensures even heating, while its one-touch sensor cooking adjusts power levels and calculates cooking times automatically, making reheating and cooking a variety of foods easier than ever. A pulsing delivery of very low microwave power keeps food temperature at a constant level — without overcooking; the improved keep-warm menu now includes five items, so foods like stew, gravy, and desserts remain warm in the black microwave oven until they’re ready to be served.

In addition, the black microwave’s menu-action screen adds to the overall convenience. It scrolls step-by-step cooking instructions across the display in English, Spanish, or French, while the function key simplifies the programming of 10 useful, non-cooking functions. Just press the function key and the menu-action screen will display the steps necessary to complete the desired function.

Flexible Cutting Board: Plastic Chopping Boards From France

This package of flexible plastic cutting boards from MIU France protects your countertop, simplifies food safety, and stores in any narrow slot of extra kitchen space. Though the flexible cutting board are flat, they have ample surface area and can be used on either side. MIU France recommends designating the colors according to food category to prevent cross-contamination–yellow for poultry, green for produce, and red for raw meat. Once food is chopped or diced, you can pick up the flexible cutting board, curl it to contain the pieces, and transfer them cleanly to bowls or pots. Safe in the dishwasher, each board measures 11 by 15 inches.

Color coded for different food groups to minimize cross-contamination and to protect countertops. Blue for fish, red for meats, yellow for poultry, green for vegetables and white for general purposes. The flexible boards curl easily to transfer chopped food directly into the bowl, pot or pan. Each board measures 15-inches by 11-inches. Top shelf, dishwasher safe.